PEOPLE & ANIMALS

A GREAT GUIDE

One of the things that made this hike so special was each day Aboo added 2 thermoses of hot tea to his already loaded backpack. He picked special fresh herbs along the route that he added to his warm brew. There was always enough tea for stops throughout the day and Aboo’s tea was so nurturing and always appreciated!

Micro engagements are part of what makes traveling so rewarding, and I had a fun one when we encountered a sheep herder who was responsible for 3 dogs and over 1,000 sheep! Aboo had stopped to chat with him and I joined in (with Aboo as interpreter). I commented how lucky he was to be outside every day. He replied “Yes, and also in the thunderstorms and freezing cold weather!” - reminding me of the balance of life! We had the same style hats and had fun exchanging hats. In the end, his hat was better so I kept mine.

(photos 4-15 are by Aboo)

PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY

Everyone we encountered was always ready with a smile and a greeting! The simple greeting in Azerbaijan is “Salaam!”.

ANIMALS ALONG OUR ROUTE

One day a cute little dog followed us to the next village. He was so funny! We stopped at a lovely plateau overlooking a gorge where lots of brown vultures were catching drafts. The dog ran along, barking at them, from what looked like a really precarious edge. At the next village the dog found someone he knew, who either took him back, or he went back on this own. This was clearly a familiar route for him!

Sheepherders use horses to transport supplies. Once, while descending into a canyon, I crossed paths with a horse carrying a sheep in a side pouch. It may have needed medical attention but the sheep certainly looked content with his ride!

Up next… human comforts!